Passport® - Mindray

ECG Monitoring Preparation and Lead Placement
4.5 Preparation and Lead Placement
4.5.1 Skin Preparation
Proper skin preparation is essential in obtaining an accurate ECG reading. Electrode sites
should be clean and dry and should provide a smooth flat surface. Incidental electrical
activity and inaccurate readings may arise from incorrect skin preparation.
The following procedure is recommended for secure electrode patch application:
1. Shave the chest hair from the electrode sites in a circular area with a diameter of
2 – 4 inches.
2. Use a dry gauze pad to remove excess skin oils, skin cells and residue from the
electrode sites. Never rub the skin until it is raw or bleeding.
NOTE: Prepare the electrode site with alcohol only if the skin is
extremely greasy. If alcohol is used as a drying agent,
always allow the skin to dry before placing the electrode
patch on the skin.
4.5.2 Electrode Patch Location
NOTE: Store electrode patches at room temperature and open just
prior to use.
NOTE: Avoid more than one type of electrode on a patient because
of variations in electrical resistance.
NOTE: Avoid placing electrode patches directly over bone
prominences or over any high activity movement areas such
as shoulders or arms because muscle motion produces
electrical activity. If an electrode patch is placed over a large
muscle such as the pectorals, the monitor may detect this
additional muscle activity and could lead to false
arrhythmia calls.
NOTE: Using a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulator (TENS):
Since a TENS unit transmits electrical impulses, avoid placing
ECG electrode patches near the TENS electrodes. ECG
electrode patches may need to be repositioned and the ECG
lead viewed may need to be adjusted until the optimum ECG
tracing is obtained.
1. To prevent evaporation of the contact gel medium, peel the backing off of the electrode
patch only when it is ready for use. Visually inspect the contact gel medium for
moistness. If the gel medium is not moist, do not use the electrode patch. Dry electrode
patches are not conductive.
NOTE: If using the snap type electrode wires, attach the electrode
patch to the lead wire before placing patch on the patient.
Passport V Operating Instructions 0070-10-0704-02 4 - 15